HODGES DISPERSED RECREATION AREA
Open for dispersed camping. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026, prohibiting campfires at all dispersed camping sites. Only liquid petroleum or LPG stoves with on/off switches are permitted for cooking. Most seasonal forest road closures ended May 1.
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Closure of Hopewell Lake Campground/Day Use Area, Portion of Continental Divide Trail
Rebabilitation of Hopewell Lake recreation facilities will prompt a closure beginning August 17, 2026. The following will be closed:Hopewell Lake CampgroundHopewell Lake Day Use AreaContinental Divide National Scenic Trail between Hopewell Lake Campground and Highway 64Forest Service Roads 356 and…
About
Hodges Dispersed Recreation Area provides free, primitive camping opportunities within Carson National Forest in Taos County, New Mexico. As a dispersed camping area, there are no developed facilities such as restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, or designated fire rings. Campers should come fully prepared to be self-sufficient. The Carson National Forest spans 1.5 million acres of northern New Mexico, encompassing portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and San Juan Basin. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout most of the forest on durable surfaces and pre-established sites. Campers must set up at least 100 feet from water sources and properly store food to prevent wildlife encounters. No permits or reservations are required for dispersed camping. The stay limit is 14 days within any 45-day period. During fire restriction periods, campfires are prohibited at dispersed sites. Campers must pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Directions
From Peñasco, NM, travel southeast on State Road 73 for approximately 12 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 116 and continue to Hodges Dispersed Recreation Area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 587-2255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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